Topic: New Taper Trying to Choose a pair of condensor mics for under $300

[moricle]

EDIT: I'm looking to upgrade my recording setup soon. I currently run a cheap mic through my Tascam US-125 interface and record through my laptop on audacity. I am getting a Tascam US-1200 and want to get new mics and record in stereo. Any suggestions between $200-300? I've been considering Rode M5s So I am looking at a pair of Avantone CK-1s now.   I'm looking at a pair of CA-11 or CA-14s now after more feedback.  Any input about mics/setup is awesome!!

[voltronic]

Everyone here is probably tired of hearing me say it by now...

Line Audio CM3.  Click the Team Line Audio link in my signature.  A pair will run you about $275 with shipping from NoHypeAudio at current exchange rate (assuming you're in the US).

[chinariderstl]

I would check the Yard Sale on this board. You can likely find a used set of mint AKG SE300B / CK91 cards or Berliner CM33 cards for that price. You will make great recordings with either set of mics.

You might also look into a used pair of Audio-Technica AT4021's or AT4041's.

I would personally steer clear of that Tascam interface. You can find better options out there. There is a Tascam DR-2D in the Yard Sale now for $110, and it is in mint condition. Pair that with a used Edirol UA5, Denecke PS-2, or a Naiant pre-amp and you're set.

Other options include the Tascam DR100 MKII, which has built in XLR inputs or the Tascam DR-70D.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I would jump up to $400 and get a used pair of ADK TLs...

Terry

[2manyrocks]

Everyone here is probably tired of hearing me say it by now...

Line Audio CM3.  Click the Team Line Audio link in my signature.  A pair will run you about $275 with shipping from NoHypeAudio at current exchange rate (assuming you're in the US).

You keep on saying it because it's the truth. 

There was a Tascam Dr60 in the YS for $150.  The seller might come off that price if it's still there.   The laptop/interface route is a pain.  Don't do that.  The 60d has fallen out of favor because of the 70d, but the 60d is still a good recorder and can be had inexpensively.   

The 60d has two xlr inputs with phantom power.  You can run the CM3s with it without buying a preamp or anything extra.  The 60d also has a 1/8 stereo input allowing you to grab a board feed for 4 channels.  You'd want an external 5v cell phone battery pack to run it because it will run for hours on end like that.  Your laptop will run out of battery about 45 minutes to an hour or so I expect.  60d is a more convenient option for you and affordable. 

[moricle]

I would check the Yard Sale on this board. You can likely find a used set of mint AKG SE300B / CK91 cards or Berliner CM33 cards for that price. You will make great recordings with either set of mics.

You might also look into a used pair of Audio-Technica AT4021's or AT4041's.

I would personally steer clear of that Tascam interface. You can find better options out there. There is a Tascam DR-2D in the Yard Sale now for $110, and it is in mint condition. Pair that with a used Edirol UA5, Denecke PS-2, or a Naiant pre-amp and you're set.

Other options include the Tascam DR100 MKII, which has built in XLR inputs or the Tascam DR-70D.

Awesome!! Looking into Avantone CK-1s now also. Thanks for the suggestions. Now I need to figure out preamps..

[chinariderstl]

Awesome man, I see you picked up the Tascam DR-2D from the Yard Sale!  Nice grab, that is a fantastic little recorder; you will be super happy with it.

You can usually find some pretty good deals on used pre-amps in the Yard Sale at good prices.  You may wish to post a new "ISO" (In Search Of) thread in the Yard Sale.  If you can find a Naiant Littlebox, that would marry perfectly with that DR-2D deck.  Some other pre-amps in that price range are the Denecke PS-2, Edirol UA5, (as previously mentioned), and possibly an Apogee Mini-Me and a Shure FP24.

[Hypnocracy]

Congratulations...as I'm getting old and gray...we need more young tapers...

Get out your wallet...cause it aint cheap...but I think you have some locals that will help an let you borrow some extra equipment 

With the Tascam DR2d you have a all in one with the internals...not a bad way to start and to get used to operating the unit...

With Battery Powered Microphones you could plug them directly into the DR2d...They include Nakamichi - Tascam/Teac - Altec Primo Clones. I would consider the Sennheiser K3-ME40 too (I think that this combo is very under rated by TS).

Next up are the 9v electret microphones such as the Audio Technica U853, the Church Audio CA11-CA14 - at the least they should be ran with a Battery Box - Better yet a Church Audio Preamp - Sound Pro's has one also not sure of model numbers

If you want to go with the Avantone CK1 - ADK TLs - AKG SE300B / CK91 - Audio-Technica AT4021's or AT4041's - Line Audio CM3 (all great choices which works with your Tascam US-125 since this supplies Phantom Power) but with the DR2d you would have to add a Preamp with Phantom Power....many different options there...the ones chinariderstl mentions and many others. These also require a battery power source (not cheap either).

Also remember to budget for Mic Stands, Cables, microphone mounts-stereo Bar.

Congrats...It's a blast sharing the music

[pohaku]

Naiant tiny box was mentioned as possible preamp.  While these are undeniably great kit (I own three of them), they are customized preamps and typically tailored to support certain microphones.  So if you pursue one, make sure that it is compatible with your  Mics. 

[colinw]

Welcome to the game, have fun!!

I run a dr2d as well, and use a Naiant tinybox. For mics I have the Busman bsc1 set for open taping which provides great flexibility for different situations, and church audio CA14 cardioids and omnis for when stealthily. It is a nice combo of options gives me the ability to pull a decent recording with relatively low cost gear.
The dr2d is a fun little recorder and will get you used to recording 2 or 4 channels, either 2 sets of mics or one set of mics and a soundboard feed.
For the price of an offer like Chris Church is offering on two sets of mics and a preamp, you would be totally set to jump in and get good recordings for a couple of hundred dollars, and step up to larger open mics later?

[Hypnocracy]

....Chris Church is offering on two sets of mics and a preamp, you would be totally set to jump in and get good recordings for a couple of hundred dollars, and step up to larger open mics later?

Here is a link to the sale
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=173300.0

I guarantee that you will spend 2 or 3 times as much to get a sound that is NOTICEABLY better (not just hear differences) than that Church package coupled with a DR2d

[moricle]

Wow, that does look like an amazing deal!  Is the CA-9200 the preamp I should go with?  And what's the differences in a pair of CA-11 cards over CA-14 cards?  Thanks for everyone's help so far!  And thanks for the link 

[Hypnocracy]

The 9200 is almost as large as the DR2d...easier to handle use...the UGLY is tiny...

Differences as far as the Microphones - Size mostly...CA11 are larger and have removable caps (omni and card) CA14 have a windscreen permanently attached if I recall correctly there for you buy a complete microphone for Omni and Card versions...and CA14's are a bit smaller...you will find members that prefer one over the other...Both sound amazing for the price.

[flipp]

With a windscreen the CA-11s might be larger but without one they are smaller than the CA-14 with it's attached screen.

See the following post for a size comparison: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=172503.msg2135860#msg2135860

[2manyrocks]

If you bought my old 2d from waltmon, it is super clean.  CA deal is very popular here and would work with 2d.